Reviewed by: Patience Itson
Top 5 stories you missed including the Savannah Bananas visiting Birmingham
Happy Monday, Birmingham! Let’s kick off the week with the top five stories you might’ve missed, including the fun and world-famous Savannah Bananas coming to Bham and the deserted Winn Dixie location in Five Points West getting a new grocer.
1. Food Giant to open Five Points West location in April
What’s happening: Alabama neighborhood grocer Food Giant is taking over the former Winn-Dixie grocery space at 2220 Bessemer Road in Five Points West this April. Food Giant will be supported by Meat Depot, which will run the store’s meat department.
Why it matters: Five Points West has been a food desert since Winn-Dixie closed its doors in 2018. Since then, finding a new grocery store for the Five Points West area has been a priority for Mayor Randall Woodfin and the Birmingham City Council.
2. World-famous Savannah Bananas coming to Rickwood + Region Fields in June 2023
What’s happening: The Savannah Bananas are bringing their 2023 World Tour to The Magic City in June. The famous exhibition baseball team will play at Regions Field AND Rickwood Field.
Why it matters: Called “The Greatest Show in Baseball” by ESPN, the Savannah Bananas are a world-famous exhibition baseball team based out of Savannah, Georgia. Instead of regular baseball, the team plays a slightly amended version of the game called “Banana Ball.” Players also perform choreographed dances during each game and wearing anything from yellow tuxedos to yellow kilts!
3. 4 businesses coming soon to Birmingham including a Korean BBQ spot
Now open:
- The Standard has officially held the soft opening for its second location in Vestavia City Center. You may know this spot for its great burgers and first location in The Pizitz.
- Honey Baked Ham has reopened its Crestwood location. You can also join the Honey Baked team for the grand reopening party on Saturday, March 25 for a chance to win prizes like a Honey Baked Ham for a year.
Coming soon:
- Homewood Gourmet is moving locations to 2705 18th Place South after being at 28th Avenue South for over 12 years. The space features a single-level floor plan and will be located near the Valley Hotel.
- The iconic Huntsville Korean BBQ spot, Stone Age KBBQ, is coming to Hoover. The menu includes all-you-can-eat lunch and dinner options.
4. Birmingham natives win big at 95th Academy Awards for Everything Everywhere All at Once
What’s happening: Everything Everywhere All at Once, a film with Birmingham ties, won seven Oscars, including Best Picture at the 95th Academy Awards. Fellow Birmingham native and Homewood High School grad Paul Rogers also took home an Oscar for his work on Everything Everywhere All at Once.
Why it matters: At the 95th Academy Awards Watch Party at Sidewalk Cinema the crowd thunderously applauded when Scheinert and Rogers names were announced.
“What a cool thing for our city and for our state. For Sidewalk, it’s especially thrilling because Daniel was involved with our organization when he was a high school student at Shades Valley, a Jefferson County school. Sidewalk created a space for him as well as lots of other local kids and adults interested in filmmaking.”
Chloe Cook, Executive Director, Sidewalk Cinema
5. Ivy League Brew—Alabaster’s first mead brewery is now open
What’s happening: Matthew Pollard brewed his first mead beverage 13 years ago. Now, with some help from his friends, Pollard has opened Ivy League Brew.
Why it matters: Ivy League Brew is the first mead brewery for the City of Alabaster. Though mead is their main attraction, you can also find pool tables, axe throwing and handcrafted rootbeers and orange sodas for those under 21.
Get caught up on the top stories you missed last week in Huntsville.
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